Sealing closure



C. E WADE SEALING CLOSURE Dec. 13, 1966 '3 Sheets-Sheet t Original FiledJan. 9, 1961 FIG. 5

INVENTOR CHARLES EWADE ATTORNEY Dec. 13, 1966 c WADE Re. 26,127

SEALING CLOSURE Original Filed Jan. 9, 1961 2 Sh@ t "eet INVNTOR.

CHARLES E, WADE ATTORNEY United States Patent 26,127 SEALING CLOSURECharles E. Wade, 760 Rancho El Fuerte, Covina, Calif. 91722 Original No.3,246,793, dated Apr. 19, 1966, Ser. No.

489,799, Sept. 7, 1965, which is a continuation of Ser.

No. 81,524, Jan. 9, 1961, Ser. No. 303,195, July 31,

1963, and Ser. No. 398,838, Sept. 21, 1964. Application for reissue July12, 1966, Ser. No. 570,113

6 Claims. (Cl. 22046) Matter enclosed in heavy brackets appears in theoriginal patent but forms no part of this reissue specification; matterprinted in italics indicates the additions made by reissue.

The present application is a continuation of application Serial No.81,524, filed on January 9, 196], of application Serial No. 303,195,filed on July 31, 1963, and of application Serial No. 398,838, filed onSeptember 21, 1964, [both] all abandoned.

The present invention relates generally to sealing closures; moreparticularly, the invention relates to connectors for securing sectionsof fluid systems in fluidsealing relation.

A variety of closures and connections have heretofore been utilized forsecuring in fluid-sealing relationship adjacent sections of fluidconduits and containers. Many of these have been characterized by anumber of disadvantages and shortcomings. Assembly or engagement anddisengagement have often been relatively difficult and time-consuming.Many closures have been relatively complex, requiring special componentsor devices. Some have required tools or machines for effectingengagement or disengagement. Relatively heavy structures and componentshave often been required because stresses and strains have been unevenlydistributed in the structures being joined or in the sealing andsecuring components.

The present invention provides sealing closures for connecting sectionsof fluid systems, wherein a resilient sealing element is retained on onesection and a skirt provided on a second section which engages theresilient sealing element and which is configurated to compress thesealing element to provide pressure sealing. The sealing element ispreferably retained in a channel provided on one section and the sealingelement extends radially outward. Means are provided for securing thesections together, preferably clamping ring means disposed about theskirt and the retaining channel. The skirt portion of the second sectionand the sealing element on the first section may provide the pressuresealing between the sections without the cooperation of othercomponents, the skirt engaging the periphery of the sealing element tocompress the sealing element and provide pressure sealing between theskirt and the sealing element. Clamping means disposed about the skirtand the sealing element may provide radial constrictive force on theskirt to eifect either part or all of the compression of the resilientsealing element to provide the pressure sealing between the sections.The clamping means may preferably comprise hinged sections ofchannel-shaped crosssectional configuration which fit about the skirtand the retaining channel, and means for drawing together the unhingedend portions of these sections to exert radial constrictive force on theskirt and sealing element. A toggle lever assembly may be utilized fordrawing the end portions of the hinged sections together.

The sealing closure of the invention effects pressure sealing betweenfluid system sections by the mere urging together or positioning of thesections in their adjacent relation. Loads and stresses are distributedsubstantially uniformly throughout the circumferences of the sectionsRe. 26,127 Reissued Dec. 13, 1966 joined, as well as the components ofthe sealing closure. This permits the use of relatively thin or lightcomponents and sections, and eliminates the need for special componentsand features such as heavy flanges and bolts. The sealing closure isefliciently and readily engageable and disenga'geable. A minimum ofskill, time and labor of an operator are required for engagement ordisengagement.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved sealing closure.

An object of the invention is to provide a sealing closure capable ofeffecting positive pressure sealing between fluid system sections uponthe urging together of the sections, without requiring specialcomponents, tools or devices.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sealing closure orconnector wherein sealing and securing forces are distributedsubstantially uniformly through the sealing components and the sectionsbeing joined, thereby permitting the utilization of relatively thin orlight components and sections, and eliminating need for heavy componentsor special structures.

An object of this invention is to provide a sealing closure which isefiiciently and readily engageable and disengageable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sealing closure orconnector for providing positive sealing between fluid system sections,which is engage-able and disengageable with a minimum of skill, time andlabor of an operator.

An object of this invention is the provision of a sealing closureaccording to the foregoing objects wherein clamping ring means ofchannel-shaped cross-section secure the fluid system sections together.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sealing closure for fluidsystem sections wherein clamping ring means of channel-shapedcross-section are constricted against a skirt of one section to compressa resilient sealing element on another section to provide pressuresealing between the sections.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sealing closure orclamping connector according to certain of the foregoing objects,wherein the clamping ring means are constricted by means of alever-operated toggle-link assembly connected with sections of theclamping ring I'IIEHIIS.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent to those versed in the art from a consideration of thefollowing description, the appended claims and the accompanyingdrawings, where- 1n:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view, partially in section, showing a sealingclosure of the invention in engagement to provide fluid pressure sealingbetween a body section and a cover section of a fluid tank;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary elevational view, taken at line 22 in FIGURE1, illustrating a hinged connection between the sections of a clampingring assembly utilized with the invention;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the hinged connection of FIGURE2, showing portions of the clamping ring sections in both closed andopen positions;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional plan view taken at line 4-4 in FIGURE 1, showinga toggle link assembly of the sealing closure of FIGURE 1 in closedposition in solid lines and in open position in phantom outline;

FIGURES 5 and 6 are similar fragmentary cross-sectional views, FIGURE 6being taken at line 66 in FIG- URE 1, showing elements of the sealingclosure of the invention in different stages of assembly;

FIGURE 7 is an elevational view, partially in section, showing thesealing closure of the invention connecting adjacent pipe sections of afluid conduit;

FIGURES 8 and 9 are partial sectional views, showing a modifiedembodiment of the invention in successive stages of assembly; and

FIGURES l and ll are partial sectional views of another modifiedembodiment of the invention in successive stages of assembly.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to FIG- URES 1 and 7, apreferred embodiment of the sealing closure of the invention is shown inoperative engagement with the cover and body sections of a fluidpressure tank and with adjoining pipe sections of a fluid conduit. InFIGURE 1 is illustrated a fluid container or pressure tank having a bodysection 10 and a cover section 12. The cover section has a cylindricalwall portion and a radially extending shoulder 14 from which depends askirt portion 16, as indicated in FIGURE 5. An annular resilient sealingelement or O-ring 18 is retained in an annular retaining channel definedby flanges 20, 22 extending from opposite edges of a web portion 24. Theouter or peripheral portion of the annular sealing element extendsradially outward beyond the peripheries of the flanges 20, 22. The edgeof the flange 16 is bent to provide a reinforcing rim 26.

A clamping ring or annular clamping cover of channel or U-shapedcross-sectional configuration includes two arcuate or semi-circularsections 28, 30. As indicated in the cross-sectional view of FIGURE 6,each clamping ring section has an annular web portion 32 and flangesections 34, 36, rim portions of the flange portions 38 and 40 beingparallel to the web portion. As shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the clampingring sections are hinged together by an assembly which includes lugs 42,44 which are interconnected by links 46, 48 pivotally connected to lug42 by pin 50 and to lug 44 by pin 52. The pins are secured in the lugsand links by spring clip retaining washers 54.

Referring to FIGURES l and 4, a lug 56 is mounted on the end portion ofclamp ring section 28 opposite from its hinged ones. Toggle links 58, 60are pivotally connected at opposite sides of lug 56 by a pin 62. Theopposite ends of the links are pivotally connected to a base portion 64of a toggle lever or handle 66 by a pin 68. A threaded shank portion 72of an adjustment nut 74 is secured in a threaded opening in base portion64. Extending from the opposite end of the nut is a nose portion 76which is adapted for pivotal engagement in a recess 78 defined in a lug80 mounted on the end portion of clamping ring section 30, as shown.

In FIGURE 7 the sealing closure of FIGURES 1 through 6 is shown inoperative assembly with adjoining cylindrical sections 82, 84 or pipesof a fluid conduit. The structure of the sealing closure or connector ofFIG- URE 7 is the same as that hereinbefore described, and the manner ofengagement thereof is like that hereinafter described relative toFIGURES 1 through 6.

To engage the sealing closure to effect pressure sealing between thebody section 10 and the cover section 12 of the tank of FIGURE 1, thecover section is first positioned with skirt portion 16 disposed aboutthe annular resilient sealing element 18 and the flanges 20, 22 of theretaining channel on the body section, as indicated in FIGURE 5. Aperipheral portion of the sealing element extends radially outwardbeyond the flanges 20, 22. The positioning or urging of the skirtportion of the cover section about the sealing element compresses thesealing element as the skirt 16 presses against the rounded contour ofthe sealing element. The compressive force is exerted by the skirt allabout the circumference of the sealing element to provide continuouspressure sealing.

From the foregoing and from the drawing, it will be understood thatpositive pressure sealing between the cover section and the body sectionare elfected merely by the urging or positioning of the cover sectionskirt portion about the resilient sealing element and retaining channel,

without the exertion of radial constrictive force by any othercomponent, device or tool. It will be observed that the compressiveforce or pressure is distributed substantially uniformly about thecircumference of the skirt portion and the cover and body sections.Therefore, relatively thin section walls and relatively light or thinsealing component structures may be utilized.

The clamping ring assembly is utilized to secure the tank and bodysections together, and may also provide part or substantially all of thecompressive pressure on the resilient sealing element by exerting radialconstrictive force on the skirt portion 16, in the manner hereinafterdescribed.

To operate or engage the clamping ring, it is first positioned looselyabout the skirt portion 16 and the retaining channel, with the unhingedend portions of its sections 28, 30 in positions like those indicated inphantom outline in FIGURE 4. The opposite hinged portions of thesections 28, 30 open or spread in the manner indicated in phantomoutline in FIGURE 3 to permit the positioning of the clamping ring aboutthe skirt portion of the cover section. With the channel-shaped clampingring sections thus loosely disposed about the skirt portion 16 and withthe wall section of each clamping ring section engaging the shoulder 14of the cover section, the toggle handle 66 is moved to position the noseportion 76 in recess 78 of lug 80. The toggle handle is then moved orpivoted about the nose portion 76 and forced inwardly to the closedposition shown in FIGURES l and 4. During this movement, the pin 68which is the axis of rotation of the handle, moves over or past thepivot point of nose portion 76. The toggle mechanism is thereby lockedin the position shown in FIGURE 4, as will be understood from thegeometric relations of the parts. The toggle mechanism is thereforeself-locking to firmly secure the clamping ring in closed position. Theadjustment nut 74 provides means for adjusting the sealing clamp toprovide appropriate radial constrictive force, as hereinafter mentioned.

The constricting of the clamping ring by the operation of the togglelink assembly to draw together the end portions of the clamping ringsections, produces circumferential tension which results in the exertionof radial constrictive force about the circumference of the skirtportion 16. The skirt portion is urged against the resilient sealingelement all about the circumference of the element, thereby effectingpositive pressure sealing thereabout. The constrictive or compressiveforce or pressure is exerted substantially uniformly about thecircumference of the skirt and sealing element. Forces and stresses inthe skirt portion, clamping ring sections, and channel flanges aresubstantially uniform throughout. Therefore relatively thin or lightsection walls and sealing component structures may be utilized. Theclosing or constricting of the clamping ring sections about the coversection shoulder 14 and the flange portion 22 of the retaining channelon the body section 10 serves to secure the cover section 12 and bodysection 10 together. A strong and effective securement or joint betweenthe sections is effected.

The engagement of the sealing closure to secure the cylindrical pipesections 82, 84 of FIGURE 7 together in fluid sealing relationship, isthe same as that described relative to the tank sections of FIGURE 1.

Separation of the cover section 12 from the body section 10 or theseparation of the cylindrical sections 82, 84 of FIGURE 7 is readilyeffected merely by drawing the toggle handle 66 outwardly from theclamping ring and removing the clamping ring sections from theirpositions about the skirt portion 16. The cover section 12 may then belifted from the tank 10, or the cylindrical pipe sections 82, 84 may bepulled apart.

FIGURES 8 and 9 illustrate a modified embodiment of the invention. Thestructure and operation of this embodiment are like those hereinbeforedescribed, except for the omission of the sealing clamp sections and thetoggle link assembly. Sealing compression of the annular resilientsealing element 18 is effected entirely by the skirt portion 16 of thecover section 12 (FIGURE 1) or the cylindrical pipe section 84 (FIGURE7). The skirt portion 16 is so configurated that, upon the urgingtogether of the cover section 12 and body section 10 or the cylindricalpipe sections 82, 84, the skirt portion 16 exerts appropriate radialconstrictive force about the circumference of the resilient sealingelement. This compresses the annular resilient sealing element toprovide positive pressure sealing between the skirt portion and thesealing element.

In FIGURES 10 and 11 is illustrated a modified form of the sealingconnector of the invention, wherein a compressive sealing force isexerted on the annular resilient sealing element only when the clampingring is constricted to exert radial constrictive force on a modifiedskirt portion 86. The skirt portion 86 is inclined or is of suchdiameter relative to the annular resilient sealing element that it issubstantially out of sealing contact therewith until it is deformed orconstricted by the constrictive force of the clamping ring. As indicatedin FIGURE 11, the clamping ring exerts force on the rim 26 of the skirtportion to exert bending force on the skirt portion to urge it againstthe sealing element.

From the foregoing, those versed in the art will appreciate that thepresent invention achieves the objects and realizes the advantageshereinbefore mentioned.

Although a specific embodiment of the present invention has beenillustrated and described herein, it will be understood that the same ismerely exemplary of presently preferred embodiments capable of attainingthe objects and realizing the advantages hereinbefore mentioned, andthat the invention is not limited thereto; variations will be readilyapparent to those versed in the art, and the invention is entitled tothe broadest interpretation within the terms of the appended claims,

The inventor claims:

1. A sealing closure for connecting a body section and a cover sectionof a cylindrical fluid pressure tank, said closure comprising aretaining channel of U-shaped crosssectional configuration defined byparallel flanges extending radially outward about the body section, anannular resilient sealing element disposed in said retaining channel andextending radially outward therefrom, a radially extending shoulder onthe cover section adapted to seat against one of said retaining channelflanges, an axially extending skirt depending from the periphery of saidcover shoulder and configurated to engage the periphery of the annularresilient sealing element to compress the sealing element and providepressure sealing therebetween, clamping means of channel-shapedcross-sectional configuration disposed about the skirt and the sealingelement to secure the sections together, and means for constricting theclamping means to exert radially constrictive force urging the skirtinwardly to compress the sealing element, whereby the sections aresecured together in sealed relation.

2. A sealing closure for connecting a body section and a cover sectionof a cylindrical fluid pressure tank, said closure comprising aretaining channel of U-shaped crosssectional configuration defined byparallel flanges extending radially outward about the body section, anannular resilient sealing element disposed in said retaining channel andextending radially outward therefrom, a radially extending shoulder onthe cover section adapted to seat against one of said retaining channelflanges, an axially extending resilient skirt depending from theperiphery of said cover shoulder and configurated to engage theperiphery of the annular resilient sealing element, clamping ring meanscomprising semi-circular hinged sections of chan nel-shapedcross-sectional configuration for fitting about said shoulder, skirt andretaining channel, a toggle lever assembly connected with the unhingedend portions of the clamping ring sections, and handle means operativelyconnected with the toggle lever assembly for movement to a closedposition to draw said unhinged end portions of the sections together toexert radially constrictive force to clamp the resilient skirt inwardlyto compress the resilient sealing element to provide pressure sealingtherebetween, said toggle lever assembly being self-locking when thehandle is in said closed position, whereby the sections are secured influid-sealing relationship.

3. A sealing closure for connecting a body section and a cover sectionof a cylindrical fluid pressure tank, said closure comprising aretaining channel of U-shaped crosssectional configuration defined byparallel flanges extending radially outward about the body section, anannular resilient sealing element disposed in said retaining channel andextending radially outward therefrom, a radially extending shoulder onthe cover section adapted to seat against one of said retaining channelflanges, an axially extending skirt depending from the periphery of saidcover shoulder and configurated to engage the periphery of the annularresilient sealing element to compress the sealing element and providepressure sealing therebetween, clamping ring means compressingsemi-circular hinged sections of channel-shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration for fitting about said shoulder, skirt and retainingchannel, first and second lugs on the respective end portions of saidclamping ring sections opposite from their hinged ends, toggle linkmeans pivotally mounted on the first lug, a handle pivotally connectedto the link means, and an adjustment nut having a nose portion at oneend and having at the opposite end a shank portion threadedly engagingsaid handle, said nose portion being positioned for pivotal engagementin a recess in the second lug, said handle pivoting about said noseportion and recess in moving to a closed position to draw the unhingedends of the clamping ring sections together, whereby radiallyconstrictive force is exerted on the skirt portion and sealing elementto compress the sealing element to provide pressure sealingtherebetween, whereby the sections are secured together in fluid-sealingrelationship.

4. A sealing closure for connecting a body section and a cover sectionof a cylindrical fluid pressure tank, said closure comprising aretaining channel of U-shaped crosssectional configuration defined byparallel flanges extending radially outward about the body section, anannular resilient sealing element disposed in said retaining channel andhaving its outer portion extending radially outward therefrom, aradially extending shoulder on the cover section adapted to firmly seatagainst one of said retaining channel flanges to provide firm abutmentof the cover section against the body section, an axially extendingresiliently deformable skirt depending from the periphery of said covershoulder, said skirt being adapted for mutual resilient engagement withthe radially extending portion of the sealing element to compress thesealing ele ment with equalized sealing force all about the bodysection, thereby providing positive pressure sealing between the bodysection and said cover section, said seating of the radially extendingcover shoulder against said retaining channel flange positively andaccurately positioning the skirt relative to the resilient sealingelement, and clamping ring means engaging said cover shoulder anddisposed about said retaining channel and said skirt to secure saidsections together, whereby the cover and body sections are secured influid sealing relation.

5. A sealing closure for connecting a body section and a cover sectionof a cylindrical fluid pressure tank, said closure comprising aretaining channel of U-shaped crosssectional configuration defined byparallel flanges extending radially outward about the body section, anannular resilient sealing element disposed in said retaining channel andhaving its outer portion extending radially outward therefrom, aradially extending shoulder on the cover section adapted to firmly seatagainst one of said retaining channel flanges to provide firm abutmentof the cover section against the body section, an axially extendingthin-walled resiliently deformable skirt depending from the periphery ofsaid cover shoulder, said skirt being adapted for mutual resilientengagement with the radially extending portion of the sealing element tocompress the sealing element with equalized sealing force all about thebody section, thereby providing positive pressure sealing between saidbody section and said cover section, said seating of the radiallyextending cover shoulder against said retaining channel flangepositively and accurately positioning the skirt relative to theresilient sealing element, hinged clamping means channel-shaped incrosssection engaging said shoulder of the body section and disposedabout said skirt and retaining channel, and means for drawing togetherthe unhinged ends of the clamping means. whereby said sections aresecured together in sealed relation.

6. A sealing closure for connecting a body section and a cover sectionof a cylindrical fluid pressure tank, said closure comprising aretaining channel of U-shaped crosssectional configuration defined byparallel flanges extending radially outward about the body section, anannular resilient sealing element disposed in said retaining channel andhaving its outer portion extending radially outward therefrom, aradially extending shoulder on the cover section adapted to firmly seatagainst one of said retaining channel flanges to provide firm abutmentof the cover section against the body section, an axially extendingthinwalled resiliently deformable skirt depending from the periphery ofsaid cover shoulder, said skirt being adapted for mutual resilientengagement with the radially extending portion of the sealing element tocompress the sealing element with equalized sealing force all about thebody section, thereby providing positive pressure sealing between saidbody section and said cover section, said seating of the radiallyextending cover shoulder against said retaining channel flangepositively and accurately positioning the skirt relative to theresilient sealing element, clamping ring means comprising semi-circularhinged sections of channel-shaped cross-sectional configuration forfitting about said shoulder, skirt and retaining channel. first andsecond lugs on the respective end portions of said clamping ringsections opposite from their hinged ends, toggle link means pivotallymounted on the first lug, a handle pivotally connected to the linkmeans, and an adjustment nut having a nose portion at one end and havingat the opposite end a shank portion threadedly engaging said handle,said nose portion being positioned for pivotal engagement in a recess inthe second lug, said lever pivoting about said nose portion and recessin moving to a closed position to draw the unhinged ends of the clampingring sections together, whereby the sections are secured together influid-sealing relationship.

References Cited by the Examiner The following references, cited by theExaminer, are of record in the patented file of this patent or theoriginal patent.

THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner.

G. T. HALL, Assistant Examiner.

